DC Volunteer Lawyers Project was founded in 2008 to create a network of volunteer lawyers that provide high-quality, pro bono legal services to survivors of domestic violence, immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children in high-conflict custody cases. 

DCVLP helps over 2,000 low-income DC and MD residents annually by representing clients in civil protection order, custody, divorce, and immigration matters as well as representing child clients as court-appointed Guardians ad litem. DCVLP also operates several community-based and remote legal clinics where clients receive free legal advice on matters relating to domestic violence, family law, and immigration. 

Through DCVLP’s unique model of pairing volunteers with a staff Supervising Attorney, pro bono lawyers have access to all the resources they need to successfully represent clients, including comprehensive training, guidance, and mentorship. Additionally, DCVLP assigns a Client Advocate to each case who assists survivors with their non-legal needs, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and access to comprehensive social services. 

Want to support DCVLP? 

To make a tax-deductible gift to DCVLP, visit www.dcvlp.org/donate. For ways to give, visit https://dcvlp.org/support. Every $1 donated to DCVLP becomes $6 in free legal services! 

Interested in volunteering as a pro bono attorney? 

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1. www.dcvlp.org/register. Register as a new volunteer at www.dcvlp.org/register

2. Complete a brief 20-minute intake call with DCVLP’s Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator. This call is to ensure you are matched with a volunteer opportunity that best aligns with your interests and availability. The link to schedule your intake will be emailed upon registration as a new volunteer. 

3. Complete your training at an upcoming in-person session or through DCVLP’s On Demand Training Hub. To view and register for an upcoming training, visit https://dcvlp.org/volunteer/calendar/. A link to access DCVLP’s On-Demand Training Hub is provided upon registration as a new volunteer. 

 

DC Bar membership is not a requirement to volunteer with DCVLP. Please don’t hesitate to contact volunteer@dcvlp.org with questions. 

Thank you for supporting domestic violence survivors, at-risk children, and immigrants in DC and MD!

Interested in helping out? Fill out their volunteer registration form, or contact GT Liaison Marea Hatziolos Grant (Marea.hatziolos@gmail.com)

[updated August 2025] 

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